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Awesome Teachers Try To Keep The 5-To-1 Ratio

You may have heard of this ratio before: 5 good interactions for every bad one. This ratio is most commonly references romantic relationships, but this research is also applicable for any two people looking to build trust. Additionally, this is a free and fairly easy way to increase your effectiveness as a teacher (score!).

What It Does For You

How To Do It

Wrapping It Up

This teaching strategy has a lot of overlap with using positive praise. This post is different because the 5-to-1 ratio encompasses a larger scope. While focusing on praising behaviors you want to see more of is powerful and considered a positive interaction, the 5-to-1 doesn’t have to include just behavior specific praise. It includes saying hello in the morning, asking a student how their weekend was, writing a note to a student who has been out sick, or writing a nice note on a piece of work that was done well. These are all considered a positive interaction and will help students be better learners, make your classroom environment more welcoming, and decrease the amount of reprimands you will have to give.

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